Rumors of Black Sabbath replacing drummer Bill Ward are swirling amid his current contract dispute, but the band has not confirmed this at all. Now, Ward’s son Aron has addressed the backlash and negativity that currently surrounds his father.

As previously reported, Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler are currently are writing and recording Black Sabbath’s new album while Ward awaits for a “signable contract to be drawn up.”

The drummer’s son Aron says, “The press is spinning this s–t storm to read as if my dad has quit. This is not true. The guys know that. That’s why they said the door is ALWAYS open. My dad hasn’t ‘declined’ playing with Black Sabbath or ‘threatened’ to pull out of this reunion.”

He goes on to defend his father by saying, “I’ve always stayed out of my dad’s business and would like nothing more than for everything to be worked out swiftly between the guys. unfortunately it’s become personal with all these idiots slagging off my dad.”

Aron Ward sincerely concludes, “To Terry [aka Geezer] (my godfather), Ozzy (my friend when I was little) and Tony (towering hero) I hope that you will listen to your fans. They want all of you together. As YOU are Black Sabbath so is my Dad. I hope you guys can work it out.”

Sabbath fans couldn’t agree more with that last line. To read Aron Ward’s full statement, go here.